Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Sea Glass mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their smooth and substantial feel, with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out that provides clear and tactile feedback, making them ideal for typists and gamers who enjoy a solid keystroke. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches stand out for their pastel colors and proprietary material blend that creates a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in typing experience. Despite the differences, both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Matcha Green Pro leans more towards a bouncy and clacky feel while the Sea Glass provides a frictionless and feathery feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Sea Glass, the main difference lies in the top housing material used. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. While both materials are unique in their own right, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro focuses more on clarity and resonance, whereas the blend used in the Sea Glass emphasizes a pleasant and bright sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both switches feature nylon in some form. The V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing offers a unique sound profile that is pleasant and bright, likely contributing to the overall typing experience. While the materials used in the bottom housings may differ slightly, both switches aim to enhance the sound and feel of typing with their respective choices of materials.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Sea Glass each contribute to a distinct typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro creates a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Sea Glass's blend top housing offers a unique and pleasant brightness. In terms of the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, with slight differences in their sound characteristics. Whether you choose the V3 Matcha Green Pro or the Sea Glass, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your preferences based on the housing materials used.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. In terms of weight, the Sea Glass is lighter in terms of actuation force, but both have a similar bottom out force. The actuation force is crucial for determining how much pressure is needed to trigger keystrokes, which can affect typing speed and accuracy. On the other hand, bottom out force plays a role in the overall typing experience, as it dictates the amount of force needed to fully press a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Their travel distance is the same, resulting in a similar tactile feel when typing on both switches. This means that users can expect consistent keypress feedback and performance from both switches. Overall, the travel distance of both switches offers a smooth typing experience with minimal key travel, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a shorter travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is known for its clacky and resonant nature, producing sharp and bright sound profiles that are clean and sharp. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch has a uniquely hollow sound signature, emanating a distinct dryness and airiness when typing. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Matcha Green Pro being more crisp and percussive, while the Sea Glass leans towards a lighter, airy sound.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and substantial typing experience with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch is characterized as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, offering a weightless and smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. The Matcha Green Pro switch focuses on providing a solid and responsive keystroke with a lively rebound, while the Sea Glass switch aims for a light and effortless typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended sessions.
Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch and the Durock Sea Glass switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha Green Pro switch provides a more tactile and responsive typing experience with sharp, clacky sound profiles, while the Sea Glass switch offers a smoother, weightless feel with a uniquely hollow sound signature. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the sharp and substantial Matcha Green Pro switch or the light and frictionless Sea Glass switch for their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches provide quality typing experiences that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable keystroke for users.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch or the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, you should take into account your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force and are looking for a switch that provides a solid and responsive keystroke with a sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the better fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a smoother, airy, and weightless typing experience that emits a uniquely hollow sound signature, the Durock Sea Glass could be the ideal choice. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to what you prioritize in a keyboard switch.